Hi, my dad has CHF and loses his breath several times/day. By this I mean that he can t seem to TAKE a breath, almost like the wind has been knocked out of him. His chest seems caved in at these times. In addition, it is painful. I encourage him to relax, not be afraid, and the ability to inhale returns. It also seems to help if he lays down at these times. He is a lifelong heavy drinker (became an alcoholic) and smoked in his youth. He had a double bypass16.5 years ago and has a pacemaker. He is 92.